Braving the pandemic for the greater good: An inspiring account of a COVID warrior

Four weeks ago, when the entire nation went under lockdown, people across the country closed their doors to help flatten the curve and defeat Covid-19. While most of us continue to stay indoors, there are a few who brave the empty streets to help those in need.

“Many elderly people live by themselves and don’t have anyone to help them in these difficult times,” says Jessica Poddar, a resident of Malad, Mumbai. “In times when even young, able bodied people are struggling to get essential items like groceries, the elderly are especially vulnerable.”

“Every day we hear about the heroic efforts of Corona warriors like doctors and nurses. I wanted to know how I can help my country fight this pandemic. How I can make a difference in my own small way.”

While searching for an answer, she heard from a friend who had started an initiative to help senior citizens get access to essential services. Jessica had found her calling.

She immediately began by reaching out to people in her own network who had elderly relatives living alone in the city. She also posted on her own social media handles, offering help to anyone unable to visit their parents or grandparents due to the lockdown. Soon, several people reached out to her for help.

“Right now, I am helping multiple elderly families get groceries and other essential items. Every week, I make a list of items they would need and go out to several stores to buy them. I follow proper social distancing norms and either leave the goods with the security guards or outside the apartment gate.”

Jessica’s selfless efforts have motivated others to join her and help the community to rise one day at a time.

“It doesn’t have to be something big. I urge all of you to help one other person in need and start a cycle of selfless service. There is only one way we defeat this pandemic and that is together.”

When the world struggles to fight this pandemic, we can find comfort and courage in stories of brave people such as Jessica. In the acts of #PeopleWhoRise.

Mahindra salutes her challenger spirit. If you know someone who is doing their bit to help the community fight this crisis, tag them or share their stories with us in the comments.

We will bring forth more such stories of #PeopleWhoRise across our social media handles.

The lockdown has left migrant workers without jobs, and forced them to head back to their rural homes. This story of a person who chose to help them in whichever way possible, is a reminder to all of us, to not stop at ‘how will my individual efforts make a difference?’.